Identified only in 1989, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has quickly become one of the most serious medical concerns of XX and XXI centuries. According to the experts, hepatitis C disease causes much more damage to human health and is significantly more prevalent than other conditions such as hepatitis B and AIDS.
According to some resources more than 200 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C.
The progression of hepatitis C may lead to various complications, such as:
cirrhosis
liver cancer
hepatic failure
impairment of renal function
brain lesion
Type II diabetes, and disorders of other systems of the body.
But the main danger of this disease is considered to be the fact that in most cases (95%) in the acute phase of infection overt symptoms of disease are observed. People can ignore the problems of liver for several years. And then it appears that the disease is already severe and is difficult to treat.
This situation is very serious, therefore timely diagnosis is recommended. The main diagnostics is a blood test for the presence of virus particles and antibodies to them. The earlier treatment starts, the more favorable prognosis.
An equally important part of successful treatment is a follow-up by a knowledgeable and experienced physician.
However, the belief that hepatitis C is incurable and deadly is in the past now. Current treatment regimens using innovative medicines are almost 100 percent effective, even in advanced cases.
Hepatitis C – XXI Century
An essential step in the treatment of hepatitis C has been the invention of drugs containing interferon-alpha (a protein having antiviral activity) that must be taken in combination with other antiviral medicines (eg ribavirin).
A further breakthrough is associated with the release of Telaprevir and Viktrelis – medications which has a completely different mechanism of action. While the majority of the previous medications had only stimulated human immune system, now the Hepatitis C virus itself is attacked by inhibition of protease enzymes that are critical for the replication of hepatitis C virus.
Today, physicians try to avoid hepatitis C treatment with interferon. Therefore, a new generation of treatments was invented called interferon-free therapy.
The innovative HCV treatment protocols are based on KISS principle that means “Keep It Short and Simple”.
Follow-up and treatment of hepatitis C patients at Hadassah Medical Center are done by Professor Rifaat Safadi .
Interferon-free therapy with IMTA Group
All types of the interferon-free therapy are in tablets, taken PO, with nearly 100% efficiency and with no side effects.
In extremely rare cases, there could be a very minor side effects of interferon-free therapy such as headaches and dizziness.
Hepatitis C genotypes
There are several combinations of interferon-free therapy tablets. Selecting a combination for the patient is personalized and it depends on the genotype of the hepatitis C virus. There are 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4 (rarely 5 and 6 genotypes common in Africa) existing Hepatitis C genotypes.
Innovative treatment combinations for hepatitis C
All combinations for the treatment of hepatitis C was the license of Ministry of Health of Israel and used in Israel since mid-2014. IMTA Group will purchase all the drugs on the world market prices and return tah free. We provide the ability to deliver drugs for hepatitis C in Russia.
The combination 1. Treatment of hepatitis 1b
Treatment of hepatitis C 1b genotype includes two types of tablets – Daklatasvir (Daklinza) and Sunaprevir (Sunvepra) (Asunaprevir)
This combination is effective in 80-92% of cases, depending on two factors:
Whether a patient already received treatment for hepatitis C before, or is this the first treatment that he receives.
The degree of liver fibrosis – mild or progressive.
The duration of the course of therapy with a combination of DAKLATASVIR and ASUNAPRAVIR – 24 weeks.
The combination 2. 1a hepatitis C treatment. Treatment of hepatitis 1b
Treatment of hepatitis C genotype 1a and 1b includes two types of pills – Vikirax + Eksvira (Viekerax + Exvera, Ombitasvir + Paritaprevir and Dazabuvir). In the US, this combination is called “Vikira.” In some cases, the combination is used together with the drug ribavirin.
Combination 2 is effective in 95-98% of cases.
The duration of the course of 12-24 weeks. A longer 24 week course applicable with genotype 1a and in progressive liver fibrosis.
The combination 3. Treatment of hepatitis C genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Treatment of hepatitis C with Harvoni- 1 tablet that includes two medications: SOFOSBUVIR + LEDIPASVIR.
Patients takie 1 tablet of Harvoni a day for 12-24 weeks. 24-week course is recommended for patients with liver cirrhosis.
Harvoni is effective in 95-98% of cases.
Hepatitis C treatment packages in Israel at Hadassah hospital
Initial evaluation and diagnosis of hepatitis C includes:
2 consultations of Professor Rifaat Safadi.
Blood tests
Viral load
Genotype (should be re-tested at Hadassah Medical Center, because it affects the choice of the correct combination).
Ultrasound or computed tomography – depending on the condition of the patient.
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy – in accordance with the patient’s age (colonoscopy is recommended in patients older than 50 years) and risk factors – family history of illnesses and complaints.
Fibroscan
The cost of the package “Initial evaluation and diagnosis of hepatitis C” – ranges from $ 4,500 to $ 8,000.
Hepatitis C treatment package
A package includes evaluation, counseling and testing in the second week of treatment, the fourth week, the twelfth week. Thus, the patient has the opportunity to return home for 2 months. At this time, and throughout the treatment professor will answer any questions not only during the visit .After the treatment course is completed, it is necessary to arrive for follow-up after another 12 weeks. In very rare cases- 1-2% of patients relapse of hepatitis C may occur. Therefore,this last follow-up is essential to determine whether the patient has recovered.
A follow-up visit at the second week of treatment is the most important for determining the effectiveness of the therapy, as it shows the results in the near future- amount of virus should be significantly reduced after the first week. This allows the professor to decide whether to continue with the same combination.
The package price for the whole course of treatmentat Hadassah Medical Center not including medications – $ 9,000.
